Hi
J'avais dit que 2014, c'était la dernière, mais une soudaine envie de l'ouest canadien m'a fait refaire un passeport en catastrophe cette année. Bilan très mitigé... du coup je me dit que je pourrait encore profiter de ce passeport pour retourner faire un tour vers le sud-Californie, l’Arizona et le Nouveau-Mexique, au printemps prochain.
A part Anza Borrego, Chiricahua, et Sedona, je cherche des idées nouvelles. Et même sur ces 3 sites j'aimerais bien en savoir plus.
Bien qu'il y ai un nouveau carnet de voyage chaque semaine, tous parlent des mêmes lieux.
Et sur les sites les plus sérieux, je ne trouve pas trop d'infos.
Donc, sachant que 1, je ne suis pas fan des villes, 2, que je ne randonne que très peu 3, je n'aime pas la foule, avec quoi garnir mon planning (en mai) ?
merci
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
As tu jeté un oeil sur City of Rocks SP au Nouveau Mexique?
Boyce Thompson Arboretum à côté de Florence AZ?
Le Botanical Garden de Phoenix?
Arcosanti entre Phoenix et Sedona?
Slab City et le NW de la Salton Sea ( Salvation Mountain), inscrits au programme mais non visités en 2015 -
Là aussi par manque de temps ... spot déniché par Thibaud
https://californiathroughmylens.com/boiling-mud-pots-salton-sea
Le côté Mad Max post atomique des vestiges des resorts prévus sur les rives ouest de la Salton Sea. Il y a, au sud, depuis qqs années, une réserve ornithologique.
Sur Sedona, si j'enlève les randonnées, tu as :
- Crescent Moon Ranch at Red Rock Crossing : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7612192#7612192
- Tlaquepaque arts and crafs village : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7615088#7615088
- les alentours de Sedona : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7615259#7615259
Alain te parle de Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. J'ai bien aimé, mais nous avons souffert de la chaleur quand nous y étions en juillet 2016 :
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7670364#7670364
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7670374#7670374
Le printemps sera une bonne saison pour visiter ce parc.
Ensuite, nous sommes allés sur l'Apache Trail, mais je pense que tu connais.
Tu pourrais visiter Coal Mine Canyon et Blue Canyon avec la guide Hopi Evelyn Fredericks :
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=8310653#8310653
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=8310684#8310684
Avant de rejoindre le Nouveau-Mexique, nous avons visité Petrified Forest NP, mais je pense que tu connais.
Au Nouveau-Mexique, en dehors des villes, nous avons aimé :
- l'hôtel historique "El Rancho" : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7618906#7618906
- la route 66 entre Laguna et Mesita au coucher du soleil : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7618919#7618919
- la "Turquoise Trail" : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7621074#7621074
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7621331#7621331
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, tu n'es pas obligé de faire la randonnée qui monte jusqu'en haut, au début, c'est tout plat :
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7622477#7622477
- Bandelier NM : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7625747#7625747
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7626320#7626320
- la "High Road to Taos" : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7628339#7628339
aux alentours de Page :
- Marble Canyon > route panoramique en direction de Navajo Bridge et, à partir du camping de Lee's Ferry, tu peux rejoindre rapidement le Colorado:
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7663516#7663516
- Coyote Buttes South (nous avons adoré, mais attention, il y a une marche d'approche dans le sable et le chemin monte un peu) : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7664499#7664499
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7664537#7664537
- promenade sur le Colorado : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7666103#7666103
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7666113#7666113
Hi Caribou
City of Rock SP, je n'ai vu que des gros cailloux dans les photos consultées, je vais revoir de plus prêt sur americansouthwest.net
La Salton Sea, ce serait sur ma route au début, mais je crois que c'est un peut un ghost lake maintenant
Florence, c'est pas là que se trouve la prison qui a remplacé celle de Yuma
Je vais regarder ce que tu cites.
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Hi Christine
Je vais regarder tout ça, mais il y en a quand même pas mal que je connais et sur lesquels j'ai écrit dans mes carnets de voyage.
Pour Sedona, je pense faire un grand tour guidé en 4x4,
tout comme Coal Mine Canyon et Blue Canyon si je trouve le bon site des Hopis .
Coyotte buttes fait parti des lieux où je ne pourrai jamais aller
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
J'avais oublié de relire ton carnet 2015, c'est pourtant une référence sur ce secteur. Je m'y replonge et je vais voir si la chasse aux arches vers Aztec est à ma portée. Bien que je n'envisageait pas de retourner dans cette partie du NM.
A+ sans doute quand j'aurai relu, il doit y avoir d'autres sites qui pourraient m'intéresser
Kenavo
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Bonjour.
En 2018 je vais dans le même coin.
Près de Ocotillo il y a une petite merveille, le plus grand chevalet en bois des usa, le genre de truc qui font péter dans les film de cow boy.
Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge Hike: Worlds Largest Wooden Trestle | California Through My Lens
et un autre endroit dans Borrego :
www.desertusa.com/desert-minerals/concretions.html.
Et je vais demander le permis pour la Piste El Camino Del Diablo.
Bonne journée. Jacques.
Merci mais je vois que pour le Trestle Bridge, je vois que "This bridge is accessible by a 6 mile round trip hike" donc impensable pour moi !
Pour les concrétions du desert mineral, on verra au visitor center de Borrego ce qui me sera possible de visiter en 1 journée, dans les limites de nos capacités.
El Calmino, tu compte louer un char d'assaut, la piste vue sur les photos me semble pas praticable avec un vh de location normal!
bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Je pense que tu connaissais déjà ce site de référence americansouthwest.net que site Simonic.
c'est vrai qu'il faut vraiment l'explorer dans tous les recoins.
L'arboretum a l'air pas mal, il n'y a pas trop de marche ? C'est pas dans ton blog de 2015.
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Tous les ans je loue un pickup : Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra, Ford 150 ou similaire.
Pour cette année je vais essayer de trouver une 2em roue de secours d'occase.
"Tous les ans je loue un pickup ..." et tu racontes tes voyages quelque part ?
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
C'est dommage, j'ai l'impression que tu va voir autre chose que les sites racontés dans 95% des 200 carnets de voyage annuel sur VF
Pas besoin d'être plume pour mettre quelques photos avec légende
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Hi Jack
tu as dit à Papy du nord que tu prévoyais entr'autre d'aller à Kofa National WR
moi aussi, j'y pense
mais tu penses y voir quoi ?
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
J'ai bien prévu de voir Palm Canyon et King of Arizona Mine, Castel Dome Mine si je suis de bonne heure le matin.
Le grand tour que tu prévois par la MST&T road, je n'ai pas trop confiance dans ces pistes et je ne suis pas un pro du 4x4.
Je pense passer demander des infos au "Refuge Office" à Yuma.
Tu sais vers quelle date tu y seras ?
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Hello.
Généralement, je me renseigne ( au BLM, les Rangers et les particuliers du coin) toujours avant de prendre une piste, celle ci peut changer du jour au lendemain.
Pour les dates rien de précis. Comme je ne réserve jamais rien , ni motel, ni camping les journées sont quelquefois a rallonge et quelquefois l'inverse. Ce serait vers le 25-26-27 Mai ???????
Je part du principe : si je juge que je prend un gros risque, demi tour !!!!!
En fait le gros risque c'est l'isolement, suite à une panne mécanique ou crevaison multiple.
Bonne soirée. Jacques.
OK
à part Kofa et ta piste frontalière, qu'as tu prévu d'autre ?
Pour moi, outre Anza borreg, Chiricahua et Sedona, je pense aller à Gila Cliff, Ship Rock et Canyon of the Ancients et un tour guidé chez les Hopis.
Et je cherche encore...
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Bonjour.
Voici les sites que je prévois. Je quitte LAS le 21/05 au matin.
Rainbow Basin
Mojave National Preserve - Lava Tube- Cinder Cone en passant par les pistes. Mitchel Cavernes
Joshua Tree NP - Fortynine Palms Oasis - Ryan Mountain Trai - Baker Dam Trail - Silver Bell et Eldorado Mines.
Salvation Mountain : pour le fun.
Anza Borrego - Pumpkin Patch - Painted Gorge - fonts Point - Borrego Palm
Kofa National Wildlife
Goat Canyon ????
Cabeza Prieta - El Camino del Diablo ????
Organ Pipe - Piste Puerto Blanco
Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Chiricahua Nat Mont - Fort-Bowie - Echo Canyon Trail - Upper Rhyolite - Mushroom Rock
Gila Cliff
The Catwalk
Ojito Wilderness
San Jose Badlands
San Lorenzo Canyon
Bandelier Nat Mont
Je retourne sur San Juan Basin Badland : déjà fait Cracked eggs et Valley of Dreams voir carte pour le reste a faire. Les tracés Z1 - Z2.........Z6 sont les tracés GPX des pistes
Hovenweep Nat Mont
BoxCanyon
Je remonte si j'ai le temps sur Moab : Goules Gulch Goblins - Porcupine Rim Trail - Secret Spire et Spring Canyon Point ( UT ) - Fond Mineral - Marlboro Point - + autres suivant le temps Je remonte sur LAS
Je dispose de 28 jours plein hors arrivée et départ. Je passe + de temps dans la région sud/ouest.
Bonne journée. Jacques.
Bonjour Bern
Anza Borrego, on y était le premier mai 2017, et il y faisait trés trés chaud; on n'y est pas restés longtemps (une nuit) , je ne sais pas s'il y a des randos supportables à faire; et je n'y ai pas vu d'intérêt pour un non-randonneur.
On pouvait réserver le camping jusqu'à fin avril; ce qui signifie que la saison est finie...
Noëlle
J'ai lu ton CV, et vu beaucoup d'endroit que je connais bien
N'y a t'il rien à voir à Anza Borrego sans faire moins de 1M AR de randonnée ? Je ne crois pas.
Si je n'avais pas fait des endroits dont on dit qu'il faut randonner, je n'aurais pas vu bien des 130 lieux dont je parle dans mes carnets.
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Re Bern
J'ai bien ri lorsque tu m'as appelée 25/12
On était au camping de Anza Borrego, et la seule rando a été faite par mon mari; il y a j'espère d'autres choses à voir là bas
Mais j'y ai eu trop chaud...
Noëlle
Il y a quelques endroit que je connais, même si je n'y ai pas tout vu.
Par exemple, Mitchell Cavern à Mojave NP, ma femme a regretté qu'on ait pas profité de la visite qui démarrait alors qu'on était au Visitor Center? moi j'estimais qu'on avait pas le temps. Pas impossible qu'on y repasse en 2018. Mais ce secteur est plein de rattlesnakes.
En 2009, à Organ Pipe, la piste Puerto Blanco était fermée aux touristes
Odjito wilderness, j'ai été le premier à en parler sur VF
J'ai vu Bisti et Ah shi sle pah, faut que je regarde comment se présente Burnham
Je vais voir ce que je trouve sur plusieurs lieux que tu cites.
Pour nous, il faut que ça ne soit pas trop difficile en 4x4 (niveau bon SUV) et peut de marche à pied, faible pente.
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Hi
J'allais pas dire nono, comme on surnomme ma cousine née un 25/12 et prénommée comme toi !
J'ai vu dans ton carnet que vous avez laissé tomber pas mal de visites... A propos, ce carnet n'est pas fini (?)
As-tu visiter le visitor center ?
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Je m'appelle Noëlle, mais je ne suis pas née un 25 décembre
Mon dernier carnet est fini; on a laissé tomber des visites car soit c'était trop élevé en altitude (plus de 3000m), soit on n'a pas trouvé (comme Strike Valley Overlook), soit j'ai oublié....
Je suis allée au visitor center de Anza Borrego faire la monnaie pour payer le camping; je ne l'ai pas visité
Si tu penses aller à Burnham, il faut un permis Navajo. Ce permis est a retirer à Window Rock ; mais le Navajo Nation department a déménagé à Farmington :
Navajo Nation department moves to Farmington
ce serait plus facile pour nous si on peut retirer les permis a cet endroit.
Oui, j'avais vu pour le permis Navajo ;
Il faut surtout que je vérifie si la visite est à ma portée
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
hi everyone
I’m planning a world trip and I’m looking for great tips on accommodation in the United States.
Do you have any good deals to share, please?
thanks
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the restaurant?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
